Taoseños respond to 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal

By Chandra Johnson

As President Barack Obama signed the bill repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell into law Wednesday (Dec. 22), Taoseños remained mixed in their reactions to the move ending 17 years of the law that prevented homosexuals from serving openly in the military.

Seeking local responses, The Taos News first contacted the local Army National Guard Armory, where troops had been instructed not to speak directly to the media about the issue, referring all questions to Santa Fe Lt. Col. Jamison Herrera, who in turn referred all questions to the U.S. Dept. of Defense.

Veteran Francis Córdova declined to comment on the issue. "That's a tough one. I'd prefer not to comment," Córdova said.

But not all were so hesitant about their opinions.

Taos PFLAG president Annouk Ellis said that she was glad about the decision. "It is great that finally gay and lesbian soldiers will no longer have to lie about who they are. Just because people have a different sexual orientation makes no difference in their ability to risk their lives for this country," Ellis said.

Even some veterans praised the move, like Taos County Commissioner Larry Sánchez, who joined the Army and served in Vietnam. "I don't see a problem. We're in the 21st Century and times have changed. These people who volunteer, they're out there for our freedom," Sánchez said.

As a former volunteer himself, Sánchez balked at the idea that the military might suffer as a result of the measure.

"People are so negative. Some people will do anything to degrade somebody. Who are they to do that? It's what's best for the community and the country," Sánchez said. "They're people. They want to do something with their lives and that's why people join the service. I say let them. I don't think they're any different."

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall issued a statement saying that he was proud to be part of a senate that voted to repeal the law.

"As Barry Goldwater used to say, you don't have to be straight to shoot straight, and I couldn't agree more. Since 'Don't ask, Don't Tell' was instituted, more than 14,000 men and women who pledged their lives for this country were discharged," Udall said.

U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman also supported the repeal, arguing that not to allow all Americans into the service weakened the U.S. military.

"Prohibiting gays and lesbians from openly serving in our Armed Forces is contrary to our nation's values and weakens our military's ability to recruit and retain competent individuals with critical skills," Bingaman said in a prepared statement.

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